PHILADELPHIA — A slight-built, baby-faced man sits in a cold tube reading a magazine at Dodger Stadium. He weighs less than 200 pounds, and if he’s an inch taller than 5-feet-10, it’s hyperbole.

When looking for reasons that a Phillies’ repeat will meet a dead end, it starts with Huston Street. The Rockies’ singular biggest advantage in the National League division series that begins Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park resides with their closer.

“The thing with Huston is that you know he’s going to come into the game and throw strikes,” setup man Rafael Betancourt said. “It’s very important for him to show he’s not afraid to throw the ball around the plate. Huston goes right after guys.”

Street has converted 35-of-37 save opportunities, a huge reason the Rockies are 83-1 when leading after the eighth inning. Compare that with the Phillies, who don’t know who their closer is, manager Charlie Manuel choosing from among Ryan Madson, Brett Myers and Brad Lidge. That explains why Philadelphia has blown 10 games when leading after the eighth.

Street has made a seamless transition back into his role following a three-week absence in September because of biceps tendinitis. Twice he has delivered saves of more than three outs. That wasn’t an accident.

“The playoffs are different. You have to be ready to go every game, and you have to be ready to go longer,” Street said. “If you are a competitor, this is a great time of year. It means everything.”

To the players and fans.

Blow a save in June and a few fantasy owners grumble. Gag in the ninth against the Phillies and it creates lifetime memories. That’s why Street loves the job.

“You live on the edge, and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” said Street, who gave up a big home run to Detroit’s Magglio Ordoñez during the 2006 American League Championship Series. “You can pull from positive and negative memories for motivation.”

Street has won over the Rockies’ players and management since being acquired in November as part of the trade that sent Matt Holliday to Oakland. When he landed in Colorado, there was thought it would be a layover with teams such as the Mets interested in acquiring him. The Rockies, leery about turning over the ninth inning to Manuel Corpas, held on to the right-hander.

All Street did was flirt with perfection. The Rockies have already told Street they will talk to him about a multiyear deal after the last game. He’s in his final year of salary arbitration, so it would take a three-year deal in the range of $25 million to get discussions going.

Manager Jim Tracy was so impressed with Street at one point he compared him to former Oakland closer Dennis Eckersley, a one-time MVP and World Series champion. Eckersley is a fan.

“He’s got such a quiet confidence and great character. He left Oakland and turned into what he always wanted to be,” Eckersley said. “What I really like about him is that he’s got great control. He can paint with his fastball, and more than anything he’s got guts. He wants the big stage.”

Street is not your typical closer. He looks more like an Abercrombie & Fitch model than he does Goose Gossage. And his attention to detail is extraordinary. His daily routine to launch would make the folks at NASA blush. Grip ‘n’ rip it? Hardly.

He plays catch with fellow reliever Matt Daley, since both take forever to get loose. Once in the clubhouse, he drinks authentic green tea, then two innings into the game, puts hot packs on his elbow and shoulder. A FiberOne bar follows. Then some heating cream on the arm, an energy drink and ride to the bullpen.

Once Street stands up out there Wednesday, he will hear insults more fitting for Alcatraz. Just talking about that moment, that time when the bullpen door opens, makes his eyes light up.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Street said. “Because a big crowd, whether they love or hate you, brings energy.”

On the mound, Street prays for courage and strength. Not results.

“All you want to do is perform to the best of your ability. It means a lot that my teammates believe in me,” said Street, before smiling and adding, “and if they want me to protect a three-run lead instead of a one-run lead, I am fine with that.”

Troy joined The Denver Post in 2002 as the Rockies' beat writer and became a Broncos beat writer in 2014 before assuming the lead role before the 2015 season. He is a past president of the local chapter of Baseball Writers Association of America and has won more than 20 local and national writing awards since graduating from the University of Colorado journalism school with honors in 1993.

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